June 04, 2026
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On Sunday the 7th of June Limerick will face off against Cork in this year's Munster Hurling Final. We have been spoilt for provincial finals in Limerick over the past decade, this being our eighth appearance in as many years, winning 6 in-a-row before losing out to Cork in last year's spectacle. Some talk over the last few days around Limerick having bigger fish to fry in the All Ireland series but I couldn’t disagree more.
There’s something so unique about the Munster Championship and even more so the Munster Final itself. With the round robin having taken effect since 2018, we no longer have the pre-match parade and pipe band before each game. This is now limited only to the final. Having been there so often of late, we may have taken this for granted. The pipe band is part of what makes it special in my view, not to be equated with the brass band they have in Croke Park, which doesn't have the same gravistas. The pipe band, coupled with the heat of a glorious sunny day in June, although the 2022 final being a washout, we didn't need sunshine to raise the temperature that day. The noise of the crowd as the teams parade around the pitch. The odd flare thrown down from the terrace onto the end line, burning a patch in the manicured grass and diluting the air with a tinge of sulfur. The great sense of hope and optimism from each set of fans. The tension building to the nth degree. And this legendary group of Limerick hurlers, all taking it in their stride.
We really are living through the golden era of Limerick hurling. Some counties get a taste of success every few years. We got a small sample of it in a prelude to this era back in 2013. A break of 5 years and then a glorious period of unparalleled success.
Each Munster final left its mark on supporters. An exemplary performance in the Gaelic Grounds in 2019 against Tipp, proving our All Ireland the previous summer wasn't just a flash in the pan. Having to endure the victory over Waterford in 2020 from the comfort, or discomfort of the couch was certainly of its time, a one-off but a Munster crown to be cherished all the same. The incredible comeback down in “The Páirc” in 2021, ripping through an 11-point half time deficit to overcome Tipp again. Kyle Hayes’ goal of the century being the standout moment that day for the 8,000(4,000 Limerick) fans who were lucky enough to attend.
And then followed 3 epic finals in as many years against our closest and fiercest rivals Clare. Thurles in ‘22, Páirc na nGael in ‘23 and back to Semple Stadium again in ‘24. The highlight for me without any shadow of a doubt being William’s point in ‘22 under Ardán Ó Riáin, after close to 100 minutes of colossal hurling, to all but secure Limerick the Munster title. His wry smile caught by the cameras as he wheeled away knowing he had sealed a 3-point win and the Munster title for Limerick.
This Sunday sees Limerick renew its rivalry with Cork in a repeat of the 2025 decider. A straightforward win in the league final followed by a narrow loss in the round-robin sets Sunday up to be a rip-roaring Munster Final. I can't wait for the hurling, I can't wait for the parade, and I can't wait to cheer on Limerick and our boys in the best championship there is. Luimneach Abú.
Wishing all our Na Piarsaigh lads the very best on Sunday. William, Peter and Mike who have all featured in this year's round-robin, and Vince Harrington and James Finn, both involved in the extended panels to date. Special mention to kitman Barry O’Regan and former Na Piarsaigh selector Alan Cunningham
There’s something so unique about the Munster Championship and even more so the Munster Final itself. With the round robin having taken effect since 2018, we no longer have the pre-match parade and pipe band before each game. This is now limited only to the final. Having been there so often of late, we may have taken this for granted. The pipe band is part of what makes it special in my view, not to be equated with the brass band they have in Croke Park, which doesn't have the same gravistas. The pipe band, coupled with the heat of a glorious sunny day in June, although the 2022 final being a washout, we didn't need sunshine to raise the temperature that day. The noise of the crowd as the teams parade around the pitch. The odd flare thrown down from the terrace onto the end line, burning a patch in the manicured grass and diluting the air with a tinge of sulfur. The great sense of hope and optimism from each set of fans. The tension building to the nth degree. And this legendary group of Limerick hurlers, all taking it in their stride.
We really are living through the golden era of Limerick hurling. Some counties get a taste of success every few years. We got a small sample of it in a prelude to this era back in 2013. A break of 5 years and then a glorious period of unparalleled success.
Each Munster final left its mark on supporters. An exemplary performance in the Gaelic Grounds in 2019 against Tipp, proving our All Ireland the previous summer wasn't just a flash in the pan. Having to endure the victory over Waterford in 2020 from the comfort, or discomfort of the couch was certainly of its time, a one-off but a Munster crown to be cherished all the same. The incredible comeback down in “The Páirc” in 2021, ripping through an 11-point half time deficit to overcome Tipp again. Kyle Hayes’ goal of the century being the standout moment that day for the 8,000(4,000 Limerick) fans who were lucky enough to attend.
And then followed 3 epic finals in as many years against our closest and fiercest rivals Clare. Thurles in ‘22, Páirc na nGael in ‘23 and back to Semple Stadium again in ‘24. The highlight for me without any shadow of a doubt being William’s point in ‘22 under Ardán Ó Riáin, after close to 100 minutes of colossal hurling, to all but secure Limerick the Munster title. His wry smile caught by the cameras as he wheeled away knowing he had sealed a 3-point win and the Munster title for Limerick.
This Sunday sees Limerick renew its rivalry with Cork in a repeat of the 2025 decider. A straightforward win in the league final followed by a narrow loss in the round-robin sets Sunday up to be a rip-roaring Munster Final. I can't wait for the hurling, I can't wait for the parade, and I can't wait to cheer on Limerick and our boys in the best championship there is. Luimneach Abú.
Wishing all our Na Piarsaigh lads the very best on Sunday. William, Peter and Mike who have all featured in this year's round-robin, and Vince Harrington and James Finn, both involved in the extended panels to date. Special mention to kitman Barry O’Regan and former Na Piarsaigh selector Alan Cunningham